Thursday, October 31, 2013

As a high school history teacher, I struggled to balance Virginia's state standards (SOLs) standards
with bringing history alive, instilling creativity, developing higher-order
thinking skills, and building 21st-century skills.

When push came to shove, the standard always won out. It was a constant source of frustration.

As an administrator, I don't want my teachers to feel the same pressures to teach to the test. I've encouraged them to take risks, stretch themselves, try something new and sometimes even reinvent themselves.

I owe it to them and we all owe it to our students to make school and learning enjoyable and engaging.

Below is part of my weekly message to my staff.

Please know that I have complete confidence in you. In this
era of standards and accountability, risk-taking can be daunting, but I’ll come
back to a simple question, “Why did you become a teacher?”

I’m willing to bet that none of you answer, “So my students
can pass a multiple choice test?”

So as you enter the second term, take a risk. Step out of
your comfort zone. Bring your subject alive. Create lessons that embody your
spirit, your passion and show why you
became a teacher.

As we go forward, lets make it a goal/expectation that each
of us tries one brand new lesson this term. Please invite me into your
classroom when you try this new lesson.I look forward to seeing your passion come alive.

Recently, I’ve seen several teachers—and more importantly,
students—go beyond the standards. These teachers recognized that the standards are simply a framework that shouldn't restrict our teaching. Their lessons were filled with creativity. The questions being asked didn't have right/wrong answers. The end result: students who were enthusiastic about learning and a classroom filled with pride and passion.

In addition to applauding your efforts, I want to encourage
you to take risks. Step out of your comfort zones. Try something new. Diverge
from the pacing guide. Challenge yourself and your students.

So as you enter the second term, take a risk. Step out of
your comfort zone. Bring your subject alive. Create lessons that embody your
spirit, your passion and show why you
became a teacher.

As we go forward, lets make it a goal/expectation that each
of us tries one brand new lesson this term. Please invite me into your
classroom when you try this new lesson.I look forward to seeing your passion come alive.

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About Me

I'm an associate principal at Monticello High School in Charlottesville, Virginia. Before moving to Charlottesville, I was an assistant principal at Kettle Run
High School in Nokesville, VA and before that I
taught world history, freshman seminar, individual reading and academic
coaching at Fauquier High School. I also coached girls basketball and
boys lacrosse while at FHS. Additionally, I taught and coached for 6
years at Rappahannock County High School. I also spent 1 year at Cedars
Academy in Bridgeville, Delaware.

I'm a co-moderator of #vachat, a weekly Twitter conversation for
Virginia (and non-Viriginians too) educators. We chat every Monday at 8
ET.

Most importantly, I'm a father and grandfather I have 4
wonderful children and a couple of grandchildren. In my free time, I enjoy outdoor activities, cooking,
reading, sports, and, of course, spending time with family.